India’s Gender Landscape: New Insights Revealed
The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has unveiled its latest publication, “Women and Men in India 2024: Selected Indicators and Data.” This comprehensive report provides critical insights into the gender dynamics across various sectors, including education, health, and economic participation. By presenting gender-disaggregated data, the publication aims to inform policymakers and stakeholders about the ongoing challenges and advancements in gender equality in India.
Comprehensive Overview of Gender Indicators
The “Women and Men in India 2024” report serves as a vital resource for understanding the current state of gender equality in the country. It compiles data from multiple government ministries and organizations, offering a detailed analysis of key indicators such as population demographics, educational attainment, health outcomes, and economic involvement. The publication emphasizes the importance of gender-disaggregated data, which allows for a clearer understanding of the disparities and opportunities that exist between men and women across urban and rural settings.
This edition highlights both the progress made toward gender equality and the persistent gaps that remain. By analyzing socio-economic indicators, the report empowers various stakeholders—including policymakers, researchers, and advocates—to formulate gender-sensitive strategies that promote sustainable and inclusive development. The publication is accessible on the MoSPI website, ensuring that the data is available for public scrutiny and use.
Key Findings and Trends
Among the notable findings in the report is the strong female enrollment in primary and higher secondary education, indicated by consistently high Gender Parity Indices (GPI). While the upper primary and elementary levels have experienced fluctuations, they remain close to achieving gender parity. Furthermore, the labor force participation rate (LPFR) for individuals aged 15 and above has seen a significant increase, rising from 49.8% in 2017-18 to 60.1% in 2023-24, reflecting improved economic engagement among women.
In the financial sector, women now hold 39.2% of all bank accounts and contribute to 39.7% of total deposits, with their participation being particularly strong in rural areas. The report also notes a remarkable increase in DEMAT accounts, which surged from 33.26 million in March 2021 to 143.02 million by November 2024. Although male account holders still outnumber females, the growth in female participation is noteworthy, with female accounts rising from 6.67 million to 27.71 million during the same period.
Political Engagement and Entrepreneurship
The publication also sheds light on women’s political engagement, revealing that the total number of electors has grown from 173.2 million in 1952 to 978 million in 2024. Female voter registration has notably increased, with female turnout reaching 67.2% in 2019, although it slightly declined to 65.8% in 2024. Importantly, the gender gap in voting has narrowed, with female turnout surpassing that of males in the latest election cycle.
Additionally, the report highlights a positive trend in female entrepreneurship, with the number of startups recognized by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) that have at least one woman director increasing from 1,943 in 2017 to 17,405 in 2024. This growth signifies a shift towards greater female representation in the business sector, reflecting broader societal changes in attitudes toward women’s roles in entrepreneurship.
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